Adrenal Fatigue

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

The adrenal glands are known as the stress glands located on top of each kidney. They produce many hormones; including the flight or fight hormones that are produced when under stress. Our bodies are not made to withstand excessive production of these hormones, adrenaline and Cortisol, but unfortunately so many people today are exposed to chronic, non-stop stress. The overproduction of these hormones over time; causes the adrenals to either begin overproducing stress hormones or under-producing them; leading to a multiple symptoms that can affect the entire body. The body can help heal itself with a specific plan aimed at down-regulating stress -especially emotional stress. Making serious diet, sleep, supplement, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve how you feel quickly. Testing is also available for this.
Common symptoms: Fatigue or exhaustion, frequent illnesses, anxiety, muscle aches, depression, reduced memory, difficulty concentrating, insomnia or wakefulness, inability to lose weight, low sex drive, skin problems, food cravings, lightheaded, dry skin, hair loss, heart palpitations, anxiety, irritability, digestive problems, over-reaction to stress, nervousness.
Causes: Chronic stress is the number one cause of adrenal fatigue. This stress can be caused by: Social stress: financial, marital, familial, loneliness, anger (the worst kind of stress,) lack of sleep or chronic insomnia, chronic illness or infection, chronic pain depression, poor diet, including excessive sugar, alcohol, or caffeine, gluten intolerance or other digestive problems, use of multiple prescription drugs including history of recreational drug use.

Treatment:

Remove Stressors: Take the time each day to identify emotional or situational stressors that you can eliminate.

Sleep: Get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. It is important to go to sleep by 10 p.m. because our adrenals do most of their work to repair the body between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Avoid caffeine which may interrupt sleep patterns. And if you are photosensitive, avoid computers and TV after 8 p.m.

Exercise: 20-30 minutes per day. Include aerobic (cardiovascular), anaerobic (weights and resistance), and flexibility (stretching or yoga). Do not overdo it; do not overstress your body with excessive exercise.